Jack Cockwell, a South African-born accountant who became a notable Canadian dealmaker, has made a significant impact in the corporate world. His $2 billion fortune is mostly due to his considerable investment in Brookfield shares, which gives him influence far beyond South Africa.
Cockwell was raised in South Africa and trained as an accountant. He attributes his success to the influence of his mother, Daphne Cockwell, and his business mentor, Peter Bronfman.
Under Bronfman’s leadership, he was instrumental in growing the Bronfmans’ Edper conglomerate into real estate, forestry, and mining, setting the framework for what would eventually become Brookfield Asset Management.
Cockwell’s commitment to philanthropy and environmental causes is evident since assuming leadership in 2002. He has chaired boards, significantly donated to educational institutions such as Ryerson University and George Brown College, and led conservation activities, including the establishment of a wildlife reserve in central Ontario.
Aside from his corporate pursuits, Cockwell is heavily involved in community development, serving on boards such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto Metropolitan University. His dedication to both corporate leadership and community improvement exemplifies a diverse approach to leaving a lasting impression.
Cockwell’s initiatives have had a significant impact on both the corporate landscape and communities, Billionaires.Africa revealed.
1. Brookfield Asset Management
From the 1970s to the early 1990s, Cockwell advocated for the expansion of the Bronfmans’ Edper conglomerate, which was eventually rebranded as Brookfield Asset Management. This conglomerate, now a global financial powerhouse, operates in real estate, forestry, and mining. Cockwell’s brilliant career culminated in a watershed moment in 2002, when he handed over the keys to fellow billionaire Bruce Flatt. This considerably aided Brookfield’s expansion, making it into one of the world’s leading management organizations.
2. Rogers Communications
In 2021, Cockwell will take on a transformative position at Rogers Communications, a leading Canadian communications and media firm. His appointment injected a wealth of knowledge and experience into the Control Trust’s governing structure. Cockwell, who owned 5,000 ordinary shares, was instrumental in determining Rogers Communications’ strategic direction, cementing the company’s position as a significant participant in the rapidly changing communications market.
3. Brookfield Corporation
Cockwell has been a director of Brookfield Corporation since September 1979, contributing significantly to the company’s development. This Canadian multinational ranks among the world’s largest alternative investment management organizations, with $850 billion in assets under management as of 2023. Cockwell, a renowned dealmaker, owns 2.54 percent of the 39,494,789 ordinary shares, wielding power that has surely helped to Brookfield’s position as a global leader in alternative asset management.
4. Partners Limited
Cockwell co-founded Partners Limited in 1995, which was a pioneer in structured finance, equities, and financial integration. His dedication to transparent deal-making and growth at all levels has established Partners Limited as a major participant in the corporate environment.
5. Brookfield Partners Foundation
Cockwell is the Chair of the Brookfield Partners Foundation in addition to his corporate responsibilities. This foundation, under his guidance, has had a significant influence, as seen by the Cockwell family’s $28 million donation to Ryerson University’s Brookfield Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This charitable venture cements Cockwell’s position as one of Ryerson’s most generous private sector benefactors, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship across campus and beyond.
